8 Portals Alumni to check out at ArcTanGent 2026!

With the news that this year’s ArcTanGent will be the last one at Fernhill Farm, the 2026 event promises to be extra special. We’ve put together a list of 8 bands that have played a Portals event in the past that we urge you to go and see!

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IAN

Sounds like: gigantic riffs, sensational atmospheres and droney post-rock

FFO: Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Amenra, Cult of Luna

From: London

Portals connection: We promoted their second ever gig (if memory serves)

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L.O.E.

Sounds like: masterful post-rock, massive crescendos and lovely melodies

FFO: Maybeshewill, pg.lost, Nordic Giants

From: Halifax

Portals connection: Performed with EF and Overhead, The Albatross Downstairs at the Dome in 2025

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Sans Froid

Sounds like: A rollercoaster ride of grooves, vocal splendour and hypnotic rhythms

FFO: Radiohead, Bent Knee, King Crimson

From: Bristol

Portals connection: Performed at Portals Festival 2022

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Bruit ≤

Sounds like: Apocalyptic post-rock, the end of the world

FFO: Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Alcest, Mono

From: Toulouse, France

Portals connection: Promoted all of their London shows

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Civil Service

Sounds like: Melodic post-rock about the human struggle and the end of the world

FFO: Mogwai, Explosions in the Sky, The Evpatoria Report

From: Manchester

Portals connection: Played a Portals all-dayer with Redwood, also supported Million Moons album launch

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MASS OF THE FERMENTING DREGS

Sounds like: ‘90s indie, alternative, shoegaze, experimental.

FFO: Bo Ningen, Smashing Pumpkins, Tricot

From: Kobe, Japan

Portals connection: Promoted all their London shows, including the upcoming show at the O2 Forum Kentish Town in Oct 2027.

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NYOS

Sounds like: Winding, looping math-rock, experimental

FFO: Don Caballero, Slint, Tera Melos

From: Leeds and Jyväskylä, Finland

Portals connection: Played the first Portals Festival back in 2018

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Din of Celestial Birds

Sounds like: triumphant, euphoric post-rock

FFO: We Lost The Sea, Caspian, Tides From Nebula

From: Leeds

Portals connection: Played Portals Festival 2024